The Director of Development reports to the Executive Director and will manage a portfolio of major gift donors to raise funds for The Sooner Nation Collective (TSNC). This professional works closely with OU Foundation staff as well as athletics staff and administrative leadership on the OU Norman campus to develop and implement fundraising strategy to meet fundraising goals. Goals and areas of focus for the Director of Development will be determined by TSNC strategic plan. Performance metrics will be determined annually by the Executive Director in consultation with the Director pursuant to TSNC annual fundraising goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manages and is accountable for an active portfolio of major gift prospects in all aspects of the development cycle.
• Solicits and secures private gifts from individuals.
• Supports and collaborates with the Executive Director to ensure that the cultivation and stewardship strategy and plans are developed and executed.
• Works with confidential donor information and documents all donor interactions and solicitations in the prospect management system. Works with legal documents including gift agreements.
• Collaborates with OU Foundation staff in efforts related to individual gifts, planned giving, and corporate and foundation relations.
• Develops and manages an individual business travel schedule within the budget and policies of TSNC.
• Monitors, analyzes, and provides data related to team-specific activity and use of donor funds.
• Actively and continuously learns about the practices of fundraising and University of Oklahoma Athletics through internal and external professional development opportunities, relationships, and independent study.
• Analyzes fundraising systems, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and best practices, and NCAA, state and federal regulations and guidelines. Includes ongoing training and cooperation with university compliance personnel.
• Perform related responsibilities as required or assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to solicit gifts.
• Intuitive ability to recognize opportunities and an entrepreneurial mindset with exceptional goal orientation and the ability to follow through.
• Ability to develop, maintain and grow interpersonal relationships including with university alumni, donors, administrators, faculty, students, and TSNC staff.
• Advanced writing skills including proof reading, editing, and composition.
• Excellent communication skills including the ability to make effective presentations to large and small groups.
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills. Ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn customized online software applications, basic data analysis.
• Ability to effectively evaluate projects/programs and produce comprehensive reports.
• Understanding of TSNC’s values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Understanding of ethics as described in the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethical Standards.
• Ability to travel to in-person meetings in various U.S. cities.
• Ability to travel independently, by personal reliable transportation, to multiple locations for work that may be significant distances from one another. Mileage reimbursable.
• Occasional weekend or evening work is required.
• 30% travel ability required.

Education and Experience:

• 3-5 years progressive experience in fundraising, sales and/or gift planning-related roles.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Athletics experience desired.

Preferences:

• Master’s degree.
• Knowledge of collegiate athletics administration, fundraising, and operations.
• CFRE preferred but not required.